This site is for family, friends, and colleagues of Avner Magen to post their thoughts and memories of him. Avner died in a climbing accident on May 29, 2010, in Alaska.

Avner was a beloved and devoted father, husband and son; a terrifically warm, funny, and energetic person; a brilliant and creative researcher; and a wonderful friend and colleague.

Please share your stories, memories and words of support by sending an email to AvnerMagenMemorial@gmail.com. You may also post comments to any entry. Visit this Photo Site for a photo memorial of Avner and his family and friends. Instructions for adding pictures appear next to the album.

Monday, May 31, 2010

Toni Pitassi & Rich Zemel

Avner, you were one of those rare people that you meet andyou know right away that you've met a treasure, someone toshare life's best times.

We have had many fun adventures over the last eight years:skiing, hiking, climbing, and mostly, laughing. You werealways suggesting new places to go and things to do, andconvincing us that it was worth it to leave at 5 AM.Meanwhile you tried to convince us that your favorite showsreally were funny, as you recounted the whole episode, notrealizing that you were much funnier than the show itself.

It is hard to know where to start with favorite memories.But one trademark moment is the day several years back whenyou took our kids rock-climbing for the first time. Youtirelessly kept un-roping one, and roping up the next tot,so that they could climb all of about 10 feet up the rockface. You were infinitely patient with them and stillmanaged to impart all the fun and excitement you clearlyfelt. Our kids thought they were real mountaineers, and youwere their leader.

You were not only fun but were an ideal friend, a greatlistener and full of warmth and compassion. We will missyou terribly.

We look forward to many future trips together with yourfamily, with Ayelet and your three terrific kids, who remindus so much of you. We'll try our hardest to celebrate yourspirit by laughing as often as possible, climbing everyrock, and trying to live life to its fullest.